Sam McBratney ​

Sam McBratney was an author from Northern Ireland. He wrote more than 50 books for children, including his renowned classic "Guess How Much I Love You" that has been translated into 57 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

Quick Facts ​

• Best known for his children's book "Guess How Much I Love You".
• Sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
• His books have been translated into 57 languages.
• Not only a writer, but also a primary school teacher for many years.
• "Guess How Much I Love You" was also made into a popular animated television series.

Background ​

McBratney was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1943. He attended the Methodist College Belfast and then went on to Trinity College Dublin, where he trained to be a teacher. He worked as a primary and secondary school teacher before becoming a full-time writer in the late 1970s. He wrote more than fifty books, but is best remembered for his 1994 children's picture book "Guess How Much I Love You", which has been translated into 57 languages and sold over 50 million copies worldwide. McBratney also wrote radio plays for adults and a prize-winning collection of short stories. He died in September 2020.

Writing Style and Impact ​

McBratney's writing style is gentle, warm and heart-touching, designed to resonate with both children and adults alike. His work is characterised by its themes of love, reassurance, and the parent-child bond. His simple yet beautifully crafted language leaves a lasting impact on readers. His book "Guess How Much I Love You" became a phenomenon globally and transformed the world of children's literature by expressing the deep unconditional love between parents and children. His work has therefore had a significant impact on generations of families around the world.

Notable Works ​

• Guess How Much I Love You (1994)
• You're All My Favourites (2004)
• Just You and Me (1998)
• When I'm Big (2007)
• A Surprise for the Nutbrown Hares (2009)